With Canada bracing for a “Silver Tsunami” as the number of seniors now exceeds that of children in the country for the first time ever, a new study commissioned by TELUS Health has revealed that those who would benefit the most from Digital healthcare technology, are the least likely to adopt it. While 58% of older Canadians agree that digital technology would help them better connect with their healthcare provider, only 20% currently use it.
“The silver tsunami we’re seeing in Canada tells us that not only is it increasingly important to educate Canadians about the impact technology can have on health outcomes but also to ensure we are maximizing the opportunity to put these digital health tools in place so all patients and their care providers can stay better connected,” says Dr. Susan Lea-Makenny, Director and Senior Medical Advisor at the INLIV Clinic.
“As a doctor and former nurse, I have seen first-hand how digital solutions can empower older Canadians to take control of their own health by gaining valuable and timely information and improve their overall care.”
The survey’s findings certainly highlight the need to educate and engage all Canadians on the role of digital health technologies. Whether it’s to book appointments or send an alert when medications run low, three in four healthcare providers in Canada are now using digital technologies to communicate with patients.
A supplementary survey also showed that 89% of healthcare professionals agreeing that accessible, secure information sharing platforms between individuals and healthcare professionals would improve patient outcomes. “Digital life is not just for millennials and GenX anymore – technology helps every generation stay connected for reasons related to health, safety and general companionship,” says Paul Lepage, President, TELUS Health.
Check out an animated video of the findings below:
